RLI PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GROUP LEARNING EVENT
PSGLE 129
How is Your Cash Flowing? Understanding How Cash Flow,
Invoicing and Getting PaidImpact Your Business
Copyright Materials
This presentation is protected by US and International Copyright laws. Reproduction,
distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of the
speaker is prohibited.
© RLI Professional Services Group
Course Description
For a company to be both sustainable and successful, it
needs to have efficient accounting and bookkeeping
systems in place. During this webcast we’ll discuss how
cash flow impacts daily business operations, including
invoicing and collection processes that help you get paid
regularly and on time. We’ll also provide some basic
bookkeeping tips that will help your business
operate efficiently and successfully.
Discussion Agenda
Brief
discussion of
cash flow
Brief
discussion of
cash flow
Focus on
invoicing
and
collections
Focus on
invoicing
and
collections
Wrap up
with basic
bookkeeping
tips
Wrap up
with basic
bookkeeping
tips
CASH FLOW
Cash Flow
Cash flow is defined as…
Incomings and outgoings of cash,
representing the operating activities of
an organization.
www.businessdictionary.com
Cash Flow
A business’s cash flow is increased by:
�Selling more services
�Reducing costs/expenses
�Charging more for services
�Collecting faster
�Taking out a loan
INVOICING AND COLLECTION PROCESSES
Invoicing and Collection Processes
What does your contract say?
Invoicing and Collection Processes
Payment Cycles
Payment when services are provided“Net 0”
Payment when services are provided“Net 0”
Payment upon receipt of invoice
Payment upon receipt of invoice
Net 15, 30, 60 or 90
Net 15, 30, 60 or 90
Which method is right
for your business?
�Do you take credit card payments?
�Are you able to receive payments on-
line, i.e. through your website?
�Are your invoices clear?
�Are your invoices sent on time?
Invoicing and Collection Processes
Is it easy to pay you?
� Paid
� Your company name, address and telephone number
� Customer’s company name and address
� Include contact who authorized purchase
� Use an invoice number for tracking
� Include purchase order number or project number, if
applicable
� Add date invoice is issued
� Display terms of payment prominently
� Provide clear description of services provided, include specific
project and hours billed
� Itemize charges, if applicable
� Clearly show the net payment due
Invoicing and Collection Processes
Interest Provisions
�Include a provision that provides the right
to charge interest on overdue outstanding
balances
�Deterrent to let outstanding invoices linger
and encourage timely payment
�Effective trigger to induce payment of
overdue invoices
Invoicing and Collection Processes
Contract provision if you have to expend money
to enforce collection of fees rightfully owed to
you. Costs such as:
�Court costs
�Attorneys’ fees
�Internal professional & administrative
time
Invoicing and Collection Processes
Consider Collection Fees & Expenses
Submit invoices on time to receive
payment on time
Invoicing and Collection Processes
Golden Rule
Until your clients pay, that money doesn’t count!
KEEPING THE BOOKS UP TO DATE
Bookkeeping Tips
DailyDaily
Check to see how much
cash you have on hand
Check to see how much
cash you have on hand
Track incoming and
outgoing payments
Track incoming and
outgoing payments
WeeklyWeekly
Prepare and send invoicesPrepare and
send invoices
Update payrollUpdate payroll
QuarterlyQuarterly
Evaluate sales, expenses and
gross profit against annual
projections
Evaluate sales, expenses and
gross profit against annual
projections
Pay quarterly taxes
Pay quarterly taxes
AnnuallyAnnually
Fill out IRS forms
Fill out IRS forms
Review tax returns prior to submitting
Review tax returns prior to submitting
Bookkeeping Tips
Outsource all bookkeeping?
OR
Just invoicing? – sometimes the
first thing to outsource
Infographics
Resources
SCORE www.score.org
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to
helping small businesses get off the ground,
grow and achieve their goals through education
and mentorship.
This concludes the Professional Services Group Learning Event
Marie Bernier, Senior Risk Management Consultant